Apple has revamped its Apple TV product, unveiling a simpler device which only streams content, and signing rental agreements with Fox, ABC and BBC America.
In addition to streaming TV shows from Apple’s iTunes service, the device is also able to stream content from YouTube, Netflix, Flickr and MobileMe. However, it does not have a hard disc to store content on, instead relying on Wi-Fi and Ethernet cables to access content.
The price of the device has been cut to US$99, and HD TV show episodes will be available to rent from ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America from 99 cents. The device is less than four inches square, making it 80% smaller than the previous generation of Apple TV device.
“The new Apple TV, paired with the largest selection of online HD movie and TV show rentals, lets users watch Hollywood content on their HD TV whenever they want,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs.
In tandem with Apple’s announcement, Amazon.com has cut the rental price on some 260 TV shows from Fox, ABC and the BBC from US$2.99 to 99 cents.
In related news, Sony is to launch its Qriocity platform in five European countries, including the UK. The service offers cloud-based VoD and music streaming, and launched in the US in April, offering VoD movies from studios including Lionsgate, NBC Universal, Disney, Warner Bros and MGM.
The service will be made available through select Sony Bravia TVs, Blu-Ray players, PlayStation 3 devices and Vaio computers.
Source C21